Backboard with removable pad

Abstract

Improved backboard pads for use in transporting immobilized patients on a backboard while still providing reasonable comfort to the patient include a base pad having with a plurality of gel-filled pads secured to the base pad, the gel-filled pads including first and second scapula pads positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the base pad, a buttocks pad between the scapula pads and the lower end of the base pad, a heel pad between the buttocks pad and the lower end of the base pad, and a headrest pad between the scapula pads and the upper end of the base pad. An inflatable lumbar pad is secured to the base pad between the scapula pads and the buttocks pad; and an inflatable knee pad is slidably positioned between the buttocks pad and the heel pad. The gel-filled pads are preferable secured in openings through the base pad.

1. A backboard pad comprising:
 a) a plurality of gel-filled pads, including first and second scapula pads, a buttocks pad, a heel pad and a headrest pad;  
 b) an inflatable lumbar pad;  
 c) an inflatable knee pad; and  
 d) a base pad supporting said gel-filled pads and said inflatable pads, said base pad being positionable on a backboard for placement beneath a patient.  
 
   
   
     2. The backboard pad of  claim 1 , wherein said scapula pads are spaced on either side of a longitudinally aligned spinal trough. 
   
   
     3. The backboard pad of  claim 1 , wherein said gel-filled pads are comprised of bladders filled with a gel selected from the group consisting of urethane gels, silicone gels, and thermoplastic elastomers. 
   
   
     4. The backboard pad of  claim 1 , wherein said inflatable pads are comprised of a bladder having a valve stem connectable with a source of compressed air. 
   
   
     5. The backboard pad of  claim 1 , wherein said base pad is formed of a gel. 
   
   
     6. The backboard pad of  claim 1 , wherein said base pad includes gel pad openings, said scapula pads, buttocks pad and heel pad being within said openings. 
   
   
     7. The backboard pad of  claim 1 , wherein said knee pad is longitudinally adjustable. 
   
   
     8. A backboard pad for use in transporting immobilized patients on a backboard having side edges with handholds along said side edges and a top surface, said backboard pad being comprised of:
 a) a base pad having an upper end, a lower end, a longitudinal axis, and opposed side edges positionable inwardly from said backboard side edges to expose said handholds, a bottom surface positionable on the top surface of said backboard, and a top surface substantially parallel to said bottom surface;  
 b) a plurality of gel-filled pads secured to said base pad, said gel-filled pads including first and second scapula pads positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of said base pad, a buttocks pad between said scapula pads and the lower end of said base pad, a heel pad between said buttocks pad and the lower end of said base pad, and a head pad between said scapula pads and the upper end of said base pad;  
 c) an inflatable lumbar pad secured to said base pad between said scapula pads and said buttocks pad; and  
 d) an inflatable knee pad slidably mounted on said base pad for longitudinal movement between said buttocks pad and said heel pad.  
 
   
   
     9. The backboard pad of  claim 8 , wherein said gel-filled pads are comprised of bladders filled with a gel selected from the group consisting of urethane gels, silicone gels, and thermoplastic elastomers. 
   
   
     10. The backboard pad of  claim 8 , wherein each of said inflatable pads are comprised of a bladder having a valve stem connectable with a source of compressed air. 
   
   
     11. The backboard pad of  claim 8 , wherein said base pad is formed of a gel. 
   
   
     12. The backboard pad of  claim 8 , wherein said base pad includes gel pad openings, said scapula pads, buttocks pad and heel pad being within said openings. 
   
   
     13. A patient carrier for use in transporting immobilized patients comprising:
 a) a backboard having side edges with handholds along said side edges and a top surface;  
 b) a base pad having an upper end, a lower end, a longitudinal axis, and opposed side edges positionable inwardly from said backboard side edges to expose said handholds, a bottom surface positionable on the top surface of said backboard, and a top surface substantially parallel to said bottom surface;  
 c) a plurality of gel-filled pads secured to said base pad, said gel-filled pads including first and second scapula pads positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of said base pad, a buttocks pad between said scapula pads and the lower end of said base pad, a heel pad between said buttocks pad and the lower end of said base pad, and a headrest pad between said scapula pads and the upper end of said base pad;  
 d) an inflatable lumbar pad secured to said base pad between said scapula pads and said buttocks pad; and  
 e) an inflatable knee pad mounted on said base pad between said buttocks pad and said heel pad.  
 
   
   
     14. The carrier of  claim 13 , wherein said knee pad is slidably mounted on said base pad for longitudinal movement between said buttocks pad and said heel pad. 
   
   
     15. The carrier of  claim 13 , wherein said gel-filled pads are comprised of bladders filled with a gel selected from the group consisting of urethane gels, silicone gels, and thermoplastic elastomers. 
   
   
     16. The carrier of  claim 13 , further including restraining straps for securing a patient onto the top surface of said backboard pad. 
   
   
     17. The carrier of  claim 13 , wherein each of said inflatable pads are comprised of a bladder having a valve stem connectable with a source of compressed air. 
   
   
     18. The carrier of  claim 13 , wherein said base pad is formed of a gel. 
   
   
     19. The carrier of  claim 13 , wherein said base pad includes gel pad openings, said scapula pads, buttocks pad and heel pad being secured to said base pad within said openings. 
   
   
     20. The carrier of  claim 13 , further including a head restraint strap with a gel-filled cushioning pad positionable on the front of the patient's head.